136 
QUID PRO QUO:’ 
[chap. hi. 
completed, and liad narrowly escaped being shot by 
running to the tent without giving warning. Seizing 
the coorbatch from the hands of one of the executioners, 
I administered them a dose of their own prescription, 
to their intense astonishment, as they did not appear 
conscious of any outrage;—“ they were only Slave 
women.” In all such expeditions it is necessary to 
have women belonging to the party to grind the corn 
and prepare the food for the men; I had accordingly 
hired several from their proprietors at Khartoum, and 
these had been maltreated as described. 
I was determined at all hazards to start from Gon- 
dokoro for the interior. From long experience with 
natives of wild countries, I did not despair of obtaining 
an influence over my men, however bad, could I once 
quit Gondokoro, and lead them among the wild and 
generally hostile tribes of the country; they would 
then be separated from the contagion of the slave¬ 
hunting parties, and would feel themselves dependant 
upon me for guidance. Accordingly I professed to 
believe in their promises to accompany me to the east, 
although I knew of their conspiracy; and I trusted 
that by tact and good management I should eventually 
thwart all their plans, and, although forced out of my 
intended course, I should be able to alter my route, 
and to work round from the east to my original plan 
